Iranian Plane Searched for Hezbollah Funds in Beirut

An Iranian Mahan Air flight from Tehran was subjected to heightened security checks upon landing at Beirut's Rafic Hariri International Airport after suspicions arose that it was carrying funds for Hezbollah. Lebanese authorities received intelligence suggesting the plane was transporting millions to the Iran-backed group, prompting a thorough inspection. Tensions escalated when a diplomat from the Iranian delegation initially refused to allow his bags to be searched, leading to delays and the eventual call for security intervention. Despite the initial concerns, the search revealed no suspicious items on the plane or in the diplomat's bags, which were later confirmed to contain only operational funds for the Iranian embassy. Interior Minister Bassam Mawlawi stated that the inspections aimed to protect Lebanon from potential threats, underscoring the routine nature of the security measures. The Foreign Ministry later affirmed that the bags were cleared in accordance with diplomatic protocols, emphasizing the importance of adhering to international regulations.